Cosmetic Dispenser With Bladder Valve System

ABSTRACT

A dispensing system including a cap configured to secure the dispensing system to a bottle filled with a formula, wherein the cap is configured to retain a metered dose of the formula, a shaft in fluid communication with the cap, a bladder inside the cap, wherein the bladder comprises one or more openings, and wherein the bladder is configured to lift to cover the shaft;, a distributor nozzle in fluid communication with the shaft, and an outer nozzle covering the distributor nozzle and configured to dispense the formula.

SUMMARY

Dispensers are necessary components for dispensing a range of formulasfrom containers. However, current dispensers still have issues withleaking, especially during manufacture and transportation. Additionally,bottles containing liquids and other low viscosity formulas ofteninclude an induction seal which can only prevent leaking before theproduct is opened. Once the induction seal is broken, the bottle maystill leak. Further, it can be difficult to dispense low viscosityformulas in a metered way.

Described herein is a dispensing system that does not include aninduction seal, but still can prevent leaking of bottles containing lowviscosity formulas. Additionally, a dispensing system that can dispenselow viscosity formulas in a metered dose is disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an example dispensing system, in accordance with the presenttechnology;

FIG. 2 is an example bladder, in accordance with the present technology;

FIG. 3 is an internal view of an example dispensing system, inaccordance with the present technology;

FIG. 4 is an example dispensing system, in accordance with the presenttechnology; and

FIG. 5 is an example method of dispensing a formula, in accordance withthe present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one aspect, a dispensing system including a cap configured to securethe dispensing system to a bottle filled with a formula, wherein the capis configured to retain a metered dose of the formula, a shaft in fluidcommunication with the cap, a bladder inside the cap, wherein thebladder comprises one or more openings, and wherein the bladder isconfigured to lift to cover the shaft, a distributor nozzle in fluidcommunication with the shaft, and an outer nozzle covering thedistributor nozzle and configured to dispense the formula is disclosed.

In another aspect, a method of using the dispensing system describedherein, the method including compressing a bottle a first time, whereinthe bottle contains a formula; filling a cap with a metered dose of theformula while a bladder lifts to cover a shaft to prevent formula fromentering the shaft, releasing the first compression, allowing thebladder to retain the metered dose of the formula, actuating an actuatorto place the system into an active state, compressing the bottle asecond time, wherein compressing the bottle the second time pushes themetered dose through the shaft, and dispensing the metered dose isdisclosed.

In some embodiments, the formula is a hair care product, such as a toneror serum. In some embodiments, the hair care product is a product with alow viscosity, such as a viscosity below 50 VI. In some embodiments, theformula is a liquid.

FIG. 1 is an example dispensing system 100, in accordance with thepresent technology. In some embodiments, the dispensing system includesan outer nozzle 160, an actuator 162, a cap 150, and a bladder 110.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 is secured to a bottle200 with the cap 150. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 issecured to the bottle 200 with a plurality of threads (not shown in FIG.1 ) inside the cap 150, so that the bottle may be twisted onto thedispensing system 100. In some embodiments, the dispensing system issecured to the bottle with one or more tabs inside the cap 150, asdescribed herein in FIG. 5 .

In some embodiments, the dispensing system includes an outer nozzle 160.In some embodiments, the outer nozzle 160 is disposed above adistributor nozzle 140, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . In some embodiments,the outer nozzle 160 includes a hole where a formula can be dispensedout at the tip of the outer nozzle 160. In some embodiments, thedispensing system includes an actuator 162. In some embodiments, theactuator 160 is threaded so that when the actuator is twisted in onedirection, such as clockwise, the dispensing system is placed into anactive state, and when twisted the other direction, such ascounterclockwise, the dispensing system is placed into an inactivestate. As described herein, an active state is any state in which thedispensing system can dispense a formula, and the inactive state is anystate in which the dispensing system cannot dispense a formula. In someembodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the actuator 166 has aseries of ridges. In some embodiments, the series of ridges indicate tothe user visually that the actuator is present. In some embodiments, theactuator may be any mechanism to place the dispensing system into anactive state. In some embodiments, the actuator may be a button, aswitch, a capacitance-type touch button, or the like.

In operation, the actuator can be actuated, such as by a user's hand orfinger, to place the dispensing system into an active state. In someembodiments, the actuator is twisted clockwise to place the dispensingsystem into an active state. In some embodiments, when the actuator istwisted in a direction, such as clockwise, the outer nozzle 160 lifts touncover the hole at the tip of the outer nozzle 160.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 includes a bladder 110.As described in more detail herein, the bladder 110 lifts when anattached bottle 200 is compressed, allowing the cap 150 to fill withformula. When the bottle 200 is no longer compressed, the formula canflow through a plurality of opening 112 a, 112 b, 112 c (as shown inFIG. 2 ) so that the formula is retained in the bladder.

FIG. 2 is an example bladder 100, in accordance with the presenttechnology. In some embodiments, the dispensing system includes abladder 110 located inside the cap 150 and fluidly coupled to a formulainside of the bottle 200. In some embodiments, the bladder 100 includesa membrane 118, a plurality of attachments 114, a plurality of openings112 and a rim 116.

In some embodiments, the entire bladder 100 is made of a flexiblematerial, such as silicon. In some embodiments, the membrane 118 is madeof silicon. In some embodiments, the bladder 110 includes a rim 116,attached to the membrane 118. In some embodiments, the membrane 118 issecured to the rim 116 with a plurality of attachments 114. In someembodiments, the rim 116 is made of silicon. In some embodiments, therim 116 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic. In someembodiments, the plurality of attachments 114 are made of silicon, butin other embodiments, the plurality of attachments 114 are made of arigid material.

In some embodiments, the bladder 110 includes a plurality of openings112 a, 112 b, 112 c. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 112are smaller, such as when the formula is a lower viscosity. In someembodiments, the plurality of openings 112 is larger, to allow for aformula of a higher viscosity to be dispensed.

In operation, when the bottle 200 is compressed, the membrane 118 liftsup to cover the shaft 130 so that formula cannot enter the distributornozzle 140 (as shown in FIG. 3 ). Instead, the formula accumulates inthe cap 150 in a metered dose. When the bottle is no longer beingcompressed, the membrane 118 drops back down, and the formula flowsthrough the plurality of openings 112 in the bladder 110. When thebottle is compressed a second time, in some embodiments, the membrane118 lifts back up and pushes the metered dose out of the membrane 118into the shaft 180 and to the distributor nozzle 140. In someembodiments, as the metered dose is dispensed, the cap 150 fills with asecond metered dose, so that when the bottle 200 is compressed again, asecond metered dose is dispensed. In some embodiments, the bottle 200can be compressed any number of times in this manner to dispense anynumber of metered doses.

In some embodiments, the metered dose is however much formula can fitinside the cap 150 of the dispensing system. In some embodiments, themetered dose is the amount of formula suggested by a manufacturer.

In some embodiments, if the bottle 200 is lightly compressed, themembrane 118 doesn't fully cover the shaft 130, allowing the formula tobe dispensed from the dispensing system 100 in a continuous stream.

FIG. 3 is an internal view of an example dispensing system, inaccordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, thedispensing system 100 includes a cap 150, a shaft 130, and a distributornozzle 140. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, thedispensing system 100 is secured to a bottle 200.

In some embodiments, the shaft 130 is hollow. In some embodiments, thecap 150 is in fluid communication with the shaft 130. In someembodiments, the shaft 130 terminates in the distributor nozzle 140. Insome embodiments, the distributor nozzle 140 includes one or more slits142 to dispense formula. In operation, when the outer nozzle 160 coversthe distributor nozzle 140 as shown in FIG. 1 , the distributor nozzle140 distributes the formula inside the outer nozzle 140 and out of thehole at the tip of the outer nozzle 140 when the dispenser is in anactive state. In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3, the distributor nozzle 140 does not include a hole at the tip of thedistributor nozzle 140. When the actuator 162 is actuated, the outernozzle 160 twists and lifts, exposing a hole at the top of the outernozzle, thereby placing the dispensing system into an active state. Insome embodiments, formula flows from the one or more slits 142 on thedistributor nozzle 140 out of the hole in the outer nozzle 160, whilethe distributor nozzle 140 remains stationary. In some embodiments, thedispenser 100 can be placed in an active state by pulling up on theouter nozzle 160 while the distributor nozzle 140 remains stationary. Insome embodiments, when the actuator 162 is actuated in a different way,such as twisted in the opposite direction, the dispensing system isplaced in an inactive state when the outer nozzle 160 drops and closesthe opening with the tip of the distributor nozzle 140.

FIG. 4 is an example dispensing system 100, in accordance with thepresent technology. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100includes an outer nozzle 160, an actuator 162, a cap 150, a shaft 130,and at least two tabs 152.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 includes a cap 150. Insome embodiments, the cap includes at least two tabs 152 near the baseof the cap 150, to secure the dispensing system 100 to a bottle. In someembodiments, the cap 150 is slightly larger than the neck of the bottle,so that the cap 150 can fit over the neck of the bottle. The cap 150 canbe modified to fit any size of bottle.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 is secured to a bottle(as shown in FIG. 1 ) with the at least two tabs 152. In someembodiments, the at least two tabs 152 are shaped like crescents, suchas illustrated in FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the one or more tabs arerectangular, organically shaped, or any shape capable of securing thedispensing system 100 to a bottle. In some embodiments, the at least twotabs are 180 degrees from one another. In some embodiments, the at leasttwo tabs 152 are spaced equidistantly from one another, such as fourtabs at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. In someembodiments, the at least two tabs are configured to rest inside agroove on the neck of the bottle, so that they are snapped onto the neckof the bottle and prevent the dispensing system 100 from being removedfrom the bottle.

In operation, the cap is placed onto the neck of the bottle, andpressure is applied until the cap 150 is secure on the bottle. In someembodiments, the at least two tabs 152 rest inside a groove on the neckof the bottle. In some embodiments, the two or more tabs 152 applypressure to the neck of the bottle so that it is secured to thedispensing system 100.

FIG. 5 is an example method 500 of dispensing a formula, in accordancewith the present technology. In block 510, the method begins.

In block 520, the bottle is compressed. In some embodiments, the bottlemay be compressed by a user, such as by squeezing the bottle. In someembodiments, the bottle may be compressed by manufacturing equipment. Insome embodiments, the bottle is compressed with enough force to lift abladder to cover a shaft of the dispensing system. When this occurs,formula is unable to flow into the shaft of the dispensing system. Insome embodiments, the bottle is compressed with less force, so that thebladder does not fully lift and cover the shaft of the dispensingsystem. When this occurs, formula can flow continuously into the shaftof the dispensing system.

In block 530, the cap is filled with a metered dose of the formula. Insome embodiments, the cap is designed to accommodate the desired dose offormula. In some embodiments, the formula flows from the bottle into thecap of the dispensing system. In some embodiments, when the bottle is nolonger being compressed, the metered dose stays retained in the bladderwhen the bladder drops back down. In some embodiments, the formula flowsthrough a series of openings inside the bladder while the bladderdescends so that the metered dose is retained in the bladder. In someembodiments, the openings in the bladder are designed to accommodate amore or less viscous formula. In some embodiments, the openings in thebladder are smaller when the formula is less viscous, such as in thecase the formula is a liquid. In some embodiments, the openings in thebladder are larger when the formula is more viscous.

In block 540, the actuator of the dispensing system is actuated, and thedispensing system is placed into an active state. An active state is astate in which the dispenser can dispense the formula. In someembodiments, the actuator is threaded, meaning that when the actuator istwisted in a particular direction, such as clockwise, the outer nozzleof the dispensing system lifts to expose a hole at the tip of the outernozzle. In some embodiments, once the dispensing system is placed intoan active state, the formula can flow from the bladder, into the shaft,through the one or more slits in the distributor nozzle, and out thehole at the tip of the outer nozzle.

In block 550, the bottle is compressed again. In some embodiments, thedispensing system can be turned upside down before being compressed fora second time, but in some embodiments, the dispensing system remainsupright when it is compressed again.

In block 560, the metered dose of formula is dispensed. In someembodiments, the metered dose retained in the bladder flows into theshaft of the dispensing system as the bladder lifts again, through theslits of the distributor nozzle, and out the hole at the tip of theouter nozzle. In some embodiments, as a first metered dose is beingdispensed, the bladder is filling with a second metered dose. If a userdecides to dispense another metered dose, the user can compress thebottle once again in block 550 and continue dispensing the number ofmetered doses desired.

Optionally, in block 570, the actuator may be actuated once again,placing the dispenser into an inactive state. An inactive state is astate where the dispensing system cannot dispense formula. In someembodiments, such as when the actuator is threaded, the dispenser can beplaced into an inactive statement by twisting the cap in the oppositedirection, such as counterclockwise. In some embodiments, when the capis twisted, the outer nozzle drops back down so that the hole at the tipof the outer nozzle is covered by the tip of the distributor nozzle, sothat formula cannot be dispensed.

In block 580, the method ends. The detailed description set forth abovein connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals referencelike elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments ofthe present disclosure and are not intended to represent the onlyembodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is providedmerely as an example or illustration and should not be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrativeexamples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any stepsdescribed herein may be interchangeable with other steps, orcombinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantiallysimilar result.

1. A dispensing system comprising: a cap configured to secure thedispensing system to a bottle filled with a formula, wherein the cap isconfigured to retain a metered dose of the formula; a shaft in fluidcommunication with the cap; a bladder inside the cap, wherein thebladder comprises one or more openings, and wherein the bladder isconfigured to lift to cover the shaft; a distributor nozzle in fluidcommunication with the shaft; and an outer nozzle covering thedistributor nozzle and configured to dispense the formula.
 2. Thedispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises at leasttwo tabs to secure the cap to the bottle.
 3. The dispensing system claim1, wherein the at least two tabs are 180 degrees from one another. 4.The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the bladder is silicone. 5.The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the formula is a hair product.6. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the formula is a hairserum.
 7. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dispensingsystem further comprises an actuator configured to put the dispensingsystem in an active or inactive state.
 8. The dispensing system of claim7, wherein the actuator is threaded.
 9. The dispensing system of claim8, wherein twisting the actuator in one direction puts the dispensingsystem into an active state.
 10. The dispensing system of claim 9,wherein twisting the actuator in an opposite direction puts thedispensing system into an inactive state.
 11. A method of using thedispensing system of claim 1 the method comprising: compressing a bottlea first time, wherein the bottle contains a formula; filling a cap witha metered dose of the formula as a bladder lifts to cover a shaft toprevent formula from entering the shaft; releasing the firstcompression; allowing the bladder to retain the metered dose of theformula; actuating an actuator to place the system into an active state;compressing the bottle a second time, wherein compressing the bottle thesecond time pushes the metered dose through the shaft; and dispensingthe metered dose.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method furthercomprises actuating the actuator a second time to place the dispensingsystem back into an inactive state.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereinthe formula is a hair product.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein theformula is a hair serum.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the bladderis silicone.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the method furthercomprises securing the dispensing system to a bottle with one or moretabs located inside the cap.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein themethod further comprises filling the cap with a second metered dose whenthe bottle is compressed a second time.
 18. The method of claim 11,wherein the method further comprises compressing the bottle at least athird time to dispense at least a second metered dose.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the method further comprises: compressing the bottlewith less force, so that the bladder does not fully lift to cover theshaft; and dispensing the formula in a continuous stream.
 20. The methodof claim 11, wherein the method further comprises securing thedispensing system to a bottle with a thread inside the cap.